Seadrift City Council held its regular monthly meeting on April 2, with Mayor Pro-Tem Robert Chatham presiding. Reports were heard from the Police, Building Inspector, Municipal Court and Planning Commission.
Police Chief Leonard Bermea reported 230 calls for service were received during March. There were four arrests: two for warrants, one disorderly conduct, and one Driving with Invalid License. Officers made 97 traffic stops resulting in 12 citations and 75 warnings. Chief Bermea introduced Sgt. James Walther and Officer Justin Klare to the Council and citizens in attendance.
Building Inspector Boyd Staloch said March was a slow month, with only five permits issued, valued at about $50,000.
Municipal Court Judge Madrigal, who was sworn in on March 4, introduced himself to the audience and remarked that he has found Seadrift a most friendly community. He reported that 16 court cases had been closed; there were seven new cases, bringing the number of current cases to 68.
Speaking for the Planning Commission, Cindy Alford asked the Council if they could provide better defined rules and regulations for RVs. Ms. Alford, a local real estate agent, said that she and other agents have not been able to provide satisfactory information to prospective property buyers on this subject. She requested a public workshop be held to clarify the RV rules. Council agreed that such a workshop will be set up soon.
A representative from Axis Demolition delivered final EPA paperwork to the Council and was paid for the recent clean up of the Harbor. 1,300 old tires were removed from City Harbor and delivered to Bay City and Corpus Christi for recycling.
Sig and Roxanne Wolf, who own a Harbor lease, addressed the Council and assembled citizens concerning his Second Street Lighthouse Project. He has just received the permit for seawall and bulkhead work that he applied for in September of 2012. He answered many questions that have been addressed to him concerning this project, showing photos and illustrations to demonstrate the planned improvements.
The final item on the agenda was authorizing a change order for 70 additional feet of 6” water line and repair of 30 additional shell leaks to the North ground water storage tank. Council approved this $3,915.00 and the third payment of $48,296.07 to Falcon Lease Operating Co. for this ground storage water tank project, which is approximately two-thirds complete.
The next regular meeting of Seadrift City Council will be held Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. at Seadrift City Hall. All Seadrift citizens and interested persons are welcomed to attend.
Election for three Council positions will be held on May 11. Early voting at City Hall will be from April 29 though May 7.